Facsimile apparatus and control method therefor, as well as storage medium

ABSTRACT

A facsimile apparatus which makes it possible to certainly perform facsimile communication via an IP network. The facsimile makes connection with a communication destination according to Session Initiation Protocol to perform facsimile communication with the communication destination via an IP network. A first connection sequence of starting call connection using a session of performing image communication is executed, and then a second connection sequence of starting call connection using a session of performing voice communication is executed. When one of the first connection sequence and the second connection sequence fails in the call connection, the other of the first connection sequence and the second connection sequence executes the call connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus that makesconnection to a communication destination according to SIS (SessionInitiation Protocol) to perform facsimile communication with thecommunication destination via an IP network, and a control methodtherefor, as well as a storage device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, with spread of the Internet and IP phones, a method for usingan IP network as a communication route for facsimile communication isbeing established. At the same time, a protocol for performing callcontrol for executing generation, change and disconnection of a sessionfor real-time communication, such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)is being standardized. Furthermore, the T.38 protocol for converting aG3 facsimile (T.30) signal to an IP message on an IP network to performreal-time transmission is recommended (ITU-T Recommendation T.38).

A real-time type Internet facsimile apparatus performs real-timefacsimile communication on an IP network using SIP and T.38. Thisreal-time type Internet facsimile apparatus identifies the address of acommunication destination by SIP first and determines what data is to betransmitted by what protocol in data transmission between a transmissionsource and a reception destination. For this real-time type Internetfacsimile apparatus, SDP (Session Description Protocol) is used. Thoughthe name SDP includes “Protocol”, it is actually what is obtained byformatting the form of describing media information. In the case ofperforming T.38 communication also, media classification of a session isused. The media classifications used are “image” or “application” in thecase of T.38 communication, and “audio” in the case of voicecommunication (telephone call).

A conventional communication apparatus that performs communicationcontrol on the basis of communication destination information at thetime of call connection by SIP obtains a call connection message from acommunication destination apparatus in a predetermined call connectionprocedure performed prior to starting the T.38 communication. Then, thecommunication apparatus acquires communication destination attributeinformation as information indicating the attributes of thecommunication destination apparatus, from the obtained call connectionmessage. Furthermore, such a communication apparatus is proposed thatcontrols parameter values at the time of T.38 communication according tothe acquired communication destination attribute information to controlreal-time type Internet facsimile communication (for example, seeJapanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2005-303968).

Equipment for performing SIP+T.38 communication includes a real-timetype Internet facsimile apparatus, a T.38 GW or T.38 adapter, and thereare multiple manufacturers that manufacture the equipment. Among themanufacturers or among models of the same manufacturer, there isdifference in the adopted sequence for connection by the SIP protocol ordifference in SDP description or the like accompanying difference ininterpretation or function expansion.

Therefore, even between the same real-time type Internet facsimileapparatuses compatible with SIP+T.38 communication, a problem ofconnectivity or communicability, for example, a problem of communicationsometimes being correctly performed and sometimes not being correctlyperformed may occur according to the manufacture or the model.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a facsimile apparatus which makes itpossible to certainly perform facsimile communication via an IP network,and a control method therefor, as well as a storage device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided afacsimile apparatus that makes connection with a communicationdestination according to Session Initiation Protocol to performfacsimile communication with the communication destination via an IPnetwork, the apparatus comprising: a first execution unit configured toexecute a first connection sequence of starting call connection using asession of performing image communication; a second execution unitconfigured to execute a second connection sequence of starting callconnection using a session of performing voice communication; and acontrol unit configured to cause, when one of the first connectionsequence and the second connection sequence fails in the callconnection, the other of the first connection sequence and the secondconnection sequence to execute the call connection.

According to the present invention, it is possible to certainly performfacsimile communication via an IP network. Specifically, for example,even between SIP+T.38 communication terminals with different connectionsequences, it is possible to make a connection sequence for T.38communication from SIP successful. Furthermore, even if errortermination occurs during a T.38 communication facsimile procedure, itis possible to make connection by an optimum connection sequence at thetime of reconnection.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of afacsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view useful in explaining T.38 communication by a standardSIP connection sequence executed by the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view useful in explaining T.38 communication by anaudio-image switching connection sequence executed by the facsimileapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view useful in explaining T.38 communication by anaudio/image simultaneous connection sequence executed by the facsimileapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a transmission processexecuted by the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of afacsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1 is comprised of a real-time typenetwork facsimile apparatus, of which a CPU (Central Processing Unit)101 (control unit) constitutes a system control section which isresponsible for controlling the whole apparatus. To the CPU 101 via abus 100 are connected various function sections. Also to the CPU 101 isconnected a clock section 107 for measuring operation intervals and thelike, which is configured by an IC and the like.

The various function sections connected to the bus 100 include a ROM102, a RAM 103, an image memory 104, a resolution converting section105, a reading/encoding-for-recording/decoding processing section 106, amodem 108, a LAN I/F 111, an image processing section 113, an operationsection 116, a line buffer 117, and a print buffer 118. The LAN I/F 111controls a network.

The ROM 102 stores a control program for the CPU 101. The RAM 103 iscomprised of a RAM or the like, and stores image data. The image memory104 is comprised of a DRAM or the like, and stores image data.

The resolution conversion section 105 performs resolution conversioncontrol such as millimeter-inch resolution conversion of raster data.Furthermore, the reading/encoding-for-recording/decoding processingsection 106 (a codec for reading/recording) performs encoding/decodingprocessing of image data handled through a communication apparatus.

The CPU 101 is connected to an analog line 110 such as a PSTN via themodem 108 and a line I/F 109 connected to the modem 108. The modem 108demodulates a modulated signal from the analog line 110 or, conversely,modulates a signal from the apparatus and sends the modulated signal tothe analog line 110. The line I/F 109 constitutes a control sectioncomprised of an NCU or the like. The line I/F 109 has, in a case where atelephone set has two connection terminals, a hook detection circuit foreach connection terminal of the telephone set to detect off-hook of thetelephone set and on-hook at the each terminal.

The CPU 101 is connected to an IP network 112, such as a local IPnetwork and an NGN, via the LAN I/F 111.

The CPU 101 is connected to a sheet scanner 114 and a book scanner 115via the image processing section 113. Each of the sheet scanner 114 andthe book scanner 115 is comprised of a CS image sensor, an originalfeeding mechanism and the like, and optically reads an original whilecovering it to electrical image data, and further adapted to read aboth-sided original. Image data read by the sheet scanner 114 or thebook scanner 115 is correction-processed by the image processing section113, and subsequently outputted with being converted to high-resolutionimage data.

The operation section 116 is comprised of a keyboard, a display sectionand the like, through which operation section 116 an operator performsvarious input operations. The operation section 116 displays that animmediate dial operation is possible when a handset is off-hooked, anddisplays that communication is being performed and communicationreservation is acceptable when an externally attached telephone isoff-hooked.

The line buffer 117 is used when image data transfer control isperformed via the bus 100.

A printer 119 is connected to the CPU 101 via the print buffer 118. Theprint buffer 118 is a buffer memory corresponding to one page, which isfor storing character codes for printing. This printer 119 is a printersuch as an LBP for recording a received image or file data onto plainpaper, and adapted to execute both-sided printing.

FIG. 2 is a view useful in explaining T.38 communication by a standardSIP connection sequence executed by the facsimile apparatus in FIG. 1.

A transmission source (TX) transmits, to a reception destination (RX),an INVITE request (a session establishment request) for a session with“image” specified as the media classification (m) from the transmissionsource. Receiving this INVITE request, the reception destination returns200 OK (successful) response to the transmission source after responsesof 100 Trying (performing processing) and 180 Ringing (performingcalling). Then, the transmission source returns ACK (acknowledgement) tothe reception destination, thereby allowing a session with m=image to beestablished, followed by T.38 communication being started.

After this T.38 communication ends, the transmission source transmitsBYE (disconnection) to the reception destination. Receiving this BYE,the reception destination returns 200 OK (successful), followed by theT.38 communication by the standard SIP connection sequence beingcompleted.

FIG. 3 is a view useful in explaining T.38 communication by anaudio-image switching connection sequence executed by the facsimileapparatus of FIG. 1.

The transmission source (TX) transmits, to the reception destination(RX), an INVITE request (a session establishment request) for a sessionwith “audio” specified as the media classification (m) from thetransmission source. Receiving this INVITE request, the receptiondestination returns 200 OK (successful) response to the transmissionsource after responses of 100 Trying (performing processing) and 180Ringing (performing calling). When the transmission source returns ACK(acknowledgement) of the transmission source to the receptiondestination, a session with m=audio is once generated.

Next, when detecting a CNG signal from the transmission source duringthe session with m=audio, the reception destination judges that thetransmission source has FAX capability. The reception destination sendsa reINVITE request (a session establishment request) for a session with“image” specified as the media classification (m) to request generationof a session with m=image to the transmission source.

With ACK (acknowledgement) of the reception destination in response to200 OK (successful) by the transmission source which has received thesession generation request, a session with m=image is established,followed by T.38 communication being started. After the T.38communication ends, the transmission source transmits BYE(disconnection) to the reception destination. Receiving this BYE, thereception destination to the returns 200 OK (successful) to thetransmission source, followed by the T.38 communication using thestandard SIP connection sequence being completed.

FIG. 4 is a view useful in explaining T.38 communication by anaudio/image simultaneous connection sequence executed by the facsimileapparatus of FIG. 1.

The transmission source (TX) transmits, to the reception destination(RX), an INVITE request for sessions with “audio” and “image” specifiedas the media classification (m). Receiving this INVITE request, thereception destination returns 200 OK (successful) response for sessionscompatible with the media classification (m) of “audio” and “image”, tothe transmission source after responses of 100 Trying (performingprocessing) and 180 Ringing (performing calling). Then, when thetransmission source returns ACK (acknowledgement) to the receptiondestination, two sessions with m=audio and m=image are established.

After that, when detecting a CNG signal from the transmission sourceduring the session with m=audio, the reception destination starts T.38communication in the session with m=image. Then, the transmission sourcetransmits BYE (disconnection) to the reception destination. When thereception destination returns 200 OK (successful) to the transmissionsource, the T.38 communication by the standard SIP connection sequenceis completed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a transmission processexecuted by the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1.

The process in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 101, and it includesconnection sequence selection processing at the time of origination bythe real-time type network facsimile apparatus and transmissionprocessing related to T.38 communication.

In FIG. 5, when a transmission instruction is inputted by a user, thetransmission process is started. The CPU 101 acquires preset connectionsequence information (any of the origination sequences in FIGS. 2, 3,and 4) at the time of origination (step S1) and starts connectionprocessing (step S2).

Next, it is determined whether the connection has failed or not (stepS3). If the connection has failed with error termination (YES to thestep S3), then it is determined whether or not another connectionsequence is selectable (step S4).

If, as a result of the determination of the step S4, the anotherconnection sequence is selectable (YES to the step S4), the sequence forreconnection is changed to the selected connection sequence (step S5),followed by repeating the processing the step S2 et seq.

If, as a result of the determination of the step S4, the anotherconnection sequence is not selectable (NO to the step S4), errorprocessing, such as acquisition of a connection sequence log, isexecuted (step S6) and subsequently disconnection processing is executed(step S7), followed by the process terminating.

If, as a result of the determination of the step S3, the connectionsequence normally ends (NO to the step S3), information about thesuccessful connection sequence is stored in association with thedestination and stored to enable T.38 communication (step S8), followedby T.38 communication (facsimile communication) being started (step S9)in order to proceed to a procedure for performing T.38 communication(facsimile communication).

Next, it is determined whether or not the T.38 communication (facsimilecommunication) has ended and whether the T.38 communication has ended inerror termination or in normal termination (step S10). If T.38communication (facsimile communication) has ended in error termination,an error communication log in the T.38 communication procedure isacquired and stored, and error retransmission setting processing isperformed (step S11), and then disconnection processing is performed(step S7), followed by the process terminating. Because an “error” inthe error retransmission setting processing in the step S11 is an errorin the T.38 procedure, the connection sequence information is notchanged.

In short, the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of thepresent invention performs facsimile communication via an IP network. Atransmission-source facsimile apparatus performs multiple callconnections to a reception-destination facsimile apparatus.

A connection sequence for the multiple call connections includes, forexample, a connection sequence of starting call connection using asession of performing image communication and a connection sequence ofstarting a session of performing voice communication. Furthermore, theconnection sequence for the multiple call connections includes aconnection sequence of starting call connection using a session ofperforming image communication and a session of performing voicecommunication, simultaneously.

The sequence for generating a session for performing image communicationis a connection sequence by the standard SIP connection procedure usingthe media classification of “image” or “application”. The connectionsequence for generating a session for performing voice communication isa connection sequence by the standard SIP connection procedure using themedia classification of “audio”.

The control unit of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention isconfigured such that, if failing in connection by a connection sequenceunit used for a call connection first, it attempts reconnection with aconnection sequence unit other than the connection sequence unit whichhas failed in the connection.

In this facsimile apparatus, when a FAX signal is detected afterperforming connection with the media classification of “audio”, themedia classification is changed to “image” or “application” to performreconnection.

In the case of the connection sequence for generating sessions for voicecommunication and image communication at the same time, connection isperformed in two sessions of both media classifications of “audio” and“image”, or “audio” and “application”. In this connection sequence forperforming connection with both media classifications, when a FAX signalis detected after performing connection with the media classification of“audio”, the media classification is changed to “image” or “application”to perform reconnection. In this connection sequence for performingconnection with both media classifications, connection is performed intwo sessions with both media classifications of “audio” and “image”, or“audio” and “application”. In this connection sequence for performingconnection with both media classifications, a FAX signal is detected inthe session with the media classification of “audio”, and T.38communication (facsimile communication) is performed in the alreadyconnected session of “image” or “application”.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out andexecutes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functionsof the above-described embodiment, and by a method, the steps of whichare performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example,reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device toperform the functions of the above-described embodiment. For thispurpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via anetwork or from a recording medium of various types serving as thememory device (e.g., computer-readable medium).

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Applications No.2011-182650, filed Aug. 24, 2011, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A facsimile apparatus that makes connection with a communicationdestination according to Session Initiation Protocol to performfacsimile communication with the communication destination via an IPnetwork, the apparatus comprising: a first execution unit configured toexecute a first connection sequence of starting call connection using asession of performing image communication; a second execution unitconfigured to execute a second connection sequence of starting callconnection using a session of performing voice communication; and acontrol unit configured to cause, when one of the first connectionsequence and the second connection sequence fails in the callconnection, the other of the first connection sequence and the secondconnection sequence to execute the call connection.
 2. The facsimileapparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third executionunit configured to execute a third connection sequence of starting thecall connection using both of the session of performing the imagecommunication and the session of performing the voice communication. 3.The facsimile apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising astoring unit configured to store, in association with the communicationdestination, information representing the connection sequence used forthe call connection, when the facsimile apparatus proceeds to aprocedure of performing the facsimile communication, wherein saidcontrol unit makes reconnection using the connection sequencerepresented by the stored information, when there occurs an error duringthe facsimile communication.
 4. The facsimile apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the session of performing the voice communication isswitched to the session of performing the image communication during thecall communication in the second connection sequence.
 5. The facsimileapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the facsimile communicationsatisfies the ITU-T Recommendation T.38.
 6. The facsimile apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a reading unit configured to readan image on an original to generate image data, wherein the facsimileapparatus transmits the image data generated by the reading unit, duringthe facsimile communication.
 7. A control method for a facsimileapparatus that makes connection with a communication destinationaccording to Session Initiation Protocol to perform facsimilecommunication with the communication destination via an IP network, thecontrol method comprising: a first execution step of executing a firstconnection sequence of starting call connection using a session ofperforming image communication; a second execution step of executing asecond connection sequence of starting call connection using a sessionof performing voice communication; and a control step of causing, whenone of the first connection sequence and the second connection sequencefails in the call connection, the other of the first connection sequenceand the second connection sequence to execute the call connection. 8.The control method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a thirdexecution step of executing a third connection sequence of starting thecall connection using both of the session of performing the imagecommunication and the session of performing the voice communication. 9.The control method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a storingstep of storing, in association with the communication destination,information representing the connection sequence used for the callconnection, when the facsimile apparatus proceeds to a procedure ofperforming the facsimile communication, wherein said control unit stepcomprises making reconnection using the connection sequence representedby the stored information, when there occurs an error during thefacsimile communication.
 10. The control method as claimed in claim 7,wherein the session of performing the voice communication is switched tothe session of performing the image communication on the way of the callcommunication in the second connection sequence.
 11. The control methodas claimed in claim 7, wherein the facsimile communication satisfies theITU-T Recommendation T.38.
 12. The control method as claimed in claim 7,further comprising a reading step of reading an image on an original togenerate image data, wherein the facsimile apparatus transmits the imagedata generated at the reading step, during the facsimile communication.13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a control programexecuting a control method a facsimile apparatus that makes connectionwith a communication destination according to Session InitiationProtocol to perform facsimile communication with the communicationdestination via an IP network, the control method comprising: a firstexecution step of executing a first connection sequence of starting callconnection using a session of performing image communication; a secondexecution step of executing a second connection sequence of startingcall connection using a session of performing voice communication; and acontrol step of causing, when one of the first connection sequence andthe second connection sequence fails in the call connection, the otherof the first connection sequence and the second connection sequence toexecute the call connection.